Return to Me: Visits to the Tabernacle

by Lynda Rozell with a foreword by George Weigel

Return to Me: Visits to the Tabernacle discusses tabernacle images with reflections on their symbolism, encouraging devotion to Jesus in the tabernacle and drawing readers to adoration at the tabernacle outside of a formal holy hour. Organized under the themes of Nourishment, Sacrifice, Jesus, Spirit, Church, and Mission, this book helps readers deepen their devotion to Jesus in His Real Presence. In addition to reflections from Scripture and tradition, the book includes photographs of tabernacles visited by the author to help guide the reader’s prayer and meditation.  In so doing, they show the reader how to use visual images as a starting point for prayer, teaching readers how to enter more fully into their personal conversations with Christ by prayerfully “reading” their own tabernacle and those they encounter in their busy lives.  

Paperback: $TBA | Kindle: $9.99


TESTIMONIALS

“John Paul II said, “The presence of Jesus in the tabernacle must be a kind of magnetic pole attracting an ever greater number of souls enamored of him, ready to wait patiently to hear his voice and, as it were, to sense the beating of his heart” (Mane Nobiscum Domine, 18). In this inspiring and well written book Lynda Rozell invites all of us to take up this invitation and to be drawn into the Holy of Holies found in each tabernacle where the Eucharist is reserved. These lessons and meditations will be helpful for anyone who would like to encounter Jesus in a deeper way in the Blessed Sacrament.” —  Most Rev. Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston, Chair of the National Eucharistic Congress

“An encounter with Christ in the Eucharist in adoration enables us to have Epiphany Moments where the Lord shines Truth on our lives. This book, Return to Me, can inspire our Epiphany Moments by providing beautiful images for meditation on the Eucharist and encouraging visits to tabernacles.” — Vanessa Denha Garmo, host of Ave Maria Radio’s “Epiphany” program, founder of Epiphany Communications & Coaching

“Lynda Rozell’s book, “Return to Me: Visits to the Tabernacle,” is an invaluable reminder of the treasure that exists in all Catholic churches – the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Eucharist. She dives into the purpose and history of tabernacles and shares why it’s important we spend time before them in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament to pray to Jesus. She also offers thoughtful reflections on themes and symbols of tabernacle art. Her book is personal, as she traveled across the country, visiting dozens of churches. Photos of the tabernacles bring to life her reflections and prayers. Ultimately, the book is a faith-filled, informative and inspiring way to grow in deeper faith and knowledge of the Eucharist.” — The Very Rev. Edward C. Hathaway, Rector, The Basilica of Saint Mary (Alexandria VA)

“In this inspiring book, Return to Me: Visits to the Tabernacle, Lynda Rozell shares the heart of her wayfaring life—her visits to Jesus in the tabernacles of the many churches she passes on the road. A professional nomad, Lynda lives a life radically available to God’s call to bring the good news of his love to whomever he sends her. And along the way, she gains direction and strength from frequent visits to Our Lord in the tabernacle. A combination of photos, personal stories, meditations, prayers, and information about the Eucharist, tabernacles, and sacred art, Lynda’s poetic way with words makes Return to Me an engaging read. Whether you are a traveler or not, Lynda will have you looking for pit stops in your day and week to check in with Almighty God and gain strength, wisdom, and love for your own journey.” — Ever Johnson co-founder and director of Trinity House Community ministry


REVIEW BY ROSE FOLSOM, OP, FOUNDER OF VIRTUE CONNECTION

Return to Me: Visits to the Tabernacle is your new adoration companion.

 

Perhaps you want to make visits to Jesus in the Tabernacle but aren’t sure what to do when you get there—and are feeling a little intimidated even to try. Or maybe you’ve been visiting regularly for years and wish it could all feel new and fresh again. Or you used to visit regularly, but life took over and you’re out of the habit now.

 

Whatever your experience before the Eucharistic Jesus, Return to Me: Visits to the Tabernacle by Lynda Rozell, is for you.

 

Rozell, also known as the Tin Can Pilgrim, has journeyed to every state in the lower 48 in her beloved Airstream as she gently witnesses to Christ along the way. Her spiritual fuel is Jesus in the Eucharist, who has drawn her to pray before more than a hundred tabernacles in her travels. The richness of her love for Christ comes through in this book. Her joy at his love for us overflows in meditations that provide potent spiritual food for the reader.

 

The meat of the book comprises nine chapters on various visual themes Rozell encountered in tabernacles during her travels, including Nourishment, Sacrifice, Jesus, Spirit, Church, and Mission. Within each theme, symbols such as the anchor, grapes and wheat, the cross, the Holy Family, and the Eucharist himself, are covered. Each one includes the author’s photos of the tabernacles she writes about. Many include a fascinating history of the visual motif, a meditation on that motif, and prayers of Rozell and saints pertaining to that motif.

 

Return to Me flows from the heart of a writer deeply in love with Jesus. That love transfers to the reader and will inspire you to go visit Jesus in the Tabernacle and will enrich your time there. It is a book to be sipped and savored, as each short chapter offers food for the mind, the imagination, and the heart.

 

The mind wants to know

Return to Me provides food for the mind by giving us a greater understanding of the Tabernacle itself and the rich symbolism we see depicted there. For example, “The original meaning of the word tabernacle in Latin means a hut or tent. In the Old Testament book of Exodus, the word tabernacle refers to the tent in which the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred objects were kept.” As our mind absorbs facts about a practice thousands of years old, we feel connected intellectually to eternal truth and the rich tradition of which we are part. Abundant footnotes provide sources for further investigation.

 

The imagination wants to dream

The book provides nourishment for the imagination as the author walks us through a meditation on the art of each of dozens of tabernacles. This provides a way to meditate on what we see (a form of prayer that is called visio divina). For example, a tabernacle adorned with a pelican motif inspires this meditation: “In the pelican theme, the baby birds represent us, the nest encircling them represents the Church, and the mother pelican represents Christ as head of the Church. Just as a sharp lance pierces Jesus’ side as he hung on the cross, the sharp beak of the mother pelican pierces its breast. The Blood of Christ feeds us; the blood of the mother pelican sustains her children. The mother sacrifices her life that her babies may live; Christ sacrificed His life so that we could live.”

 

The heart wants to love

Nourishment for the mind and the imagination makes us ready for our heart to engage with love himself, Jesus present right before us in the Tabernacle. This “conversation” with Jesus is often expressed in wordless silence. If you are moved to use words but aren’t sure what to say, the author includes short prayers that have flowed from her own heart and that of others before the Tabernacle, making this book a modest school of prayer.

 

The will wants to act

And there is a fourth thing: the author reminds us that the intellectual and spiritual food we receive at the tabernacle is not only to be taken in and enjoyed, but also transformed into fuel for our apostolate. “When we see loaves and fishes on a tabernacle we can reflect how Jesus ultimately gives us Himself to eat, but calls us to give of ourselves to others. Like the disciples, we are to share all that we have in imitation of Christ. To do so we must become as children, trusting God to make the most of the little we have to offer.”

 

Many people crave pockets of silence in their life to be able to listen to God, who alone can give the peace of soul they long for—but they don’t know how to make it happen. This book provides an incentive to visit Jesus “in person” because it appeals to all the ways we connect with him. Return to Me keeps us from ever showing up to a visit with Jesus “with nothing to do.” It helps ensure we will experience the rich connection with Jesus for which we were born.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynda Rozell is a Catholic evangelist and former lawyer who lives and travels in a camper van. Six years ago, she discerned a call to live among and work alongside full-time nomads in the United States. She quietly engages the people she meets on the road in conversation and prayer, encouraging them to develop or deepen their relationship with God. She travels to shrines and religious sites as she moves between campgrounds and parks from the deserts of the Southwest to the forests of Maine and the swamps of Florida. She sometimes volunteers in exchange for campsites or works alongside other travelers in short term manual labor jobs, most recently at the Michigan sugar beet harvest.  

As an outgrowth of her apostolate, Lynda speaks to audiences ranging from recreational vehicle enthusiasts to local Councils of Catholic Women, parish groups, and book clubs.  Her photographs and articles about the spiritual life, travel, and shrines and religious sites can be found at her blog, tincanpilgrim.com.

Lynda has published three books:  Journeys with a Tin Can Pilgrim (St. John’s Press 2021), a spiritual travel memoir; In Plain Sight Hidden (St. Bona’s Press 2022), a collection of Lynda’s religious poetry about nature, camping, and relationship with God; and The Airstream Travels Coloring Book (St. Bona’s Press 2022), containing Lynda’s original drawings and photographs formatted for meditative coloring by adults.  

Journeys with a Tin Can Pilgrim combines teaching about faith with practical advice on how to live and travel in a recreational vehicle.  It received a nihil obstat from the Diocese of Arlington and many excellent reviews, including a strong recommendation from author George Weigel in the journal First Things.  

Lynda has appeared on several live radio shows, podcast interviews, and television programs. These include, for example, “Kresta in the Afternoon” and “Epiphany” on Ave Maria Radio, as well as Currents News (Diocese of Brooklyn), Walk in Faith (Diocese of Brooklyn), Catholic Faith Network’s CFN Live (Diocese of Rockville Center), and WCAT Radio’s “Author to Author” program.  

Lynda earned a B.A. (1984), M.A. (1986), and J.D. (1988) at the University of Viriginia. She worked as an attorney in private practice and for the Federal Trade Commission before becoming a project manager and in-house counsel at a non-profit, pro-life medical practice in northern Virginia.  She remains a lector at her home parish, St. Leo the Great in Fairfax, Virginia, when she visits the area.

Photograph by Renata Grzan Wieczorek — https://www.FortheLoveofBeauty.com

OTHER POPULAR SPIRITUALITY BOOKS

The Comic Catholic

The Comic Catholic

The Comic Catholic By Ronda Chervin In this witty, literary stand-up routine, Ronda Chervin takes a bow to a key property of the human person as understood in our philosophical anthropology, namely, that of risibility. It is a trademark of our humanity that we were...

read more
The Word in Your Heart: Mary, Youth and Mental Health

The Word in Your Heart: Mary, Youth and Mental Health

The Word in Your Heart: Mary, Youth and Mental Health by Francis Etheredge Running away at 14. Attempting suicide. Pill prescriptions for almost every mental health condition: Marketing or medicine? The exponential rise of the medicalization of children. Personal...

read more
Imagine the Joy! Reveries on Divine Revelation

Imagine the Joy! Reveries on Divine Revelation

Imagine the Joy! Reveries on Divine Revelation by Freddie Stewart, Jr. Compelled by his rich evangelical experience of searching the Scriptures alongside Christian brethren seeking spiritual inspiration and practical wisdom, Freddie has sought to share his enthusiasm...

read more
The Voices We Hear Daily

The Voices We Hear Daily

The Voices We Hear Daily by Fr. Eugene Azorji The Voices We Hear Daily is written as a simple narrative reflection on the four voices we hear every day--namely the voice of God, the voice of the world, the voice of self, and the voice of the Devil--our responses to...

read more
Lord, do you mean me? A father-Catechist?

Lord, do you mean me? A father-Catechist?

Lord, Do You Mean Me? A father-Catechist! by Francis Etheredge Reflecting on the reality of childhood, Francis Etheredge explores what is entailed in being a parent who wants to take up the vocation, as widely and as specifically as possible, of helping to found the...

read more
The Divinized Person

The Divinized Person

The Divinized Person by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. Scripture tells us that man was created in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:26). This book explores the meaning of this statement, describing each of us as a living, flesh-and-blood icon, a visible representation...

read more
Franciscanism: The Answer to Modernism

Franciscanism: The Answer to Modernism

Franciscanism: The Answer to Modernism By Bob Sizemore In a culture of death, St. Francis restores us to life. This book invites the reader into Franciscanism as the answer to Modernism.   Paperback $7.99 | Kindle $2.99  TESTIMONIALS "Imaginative, creative, inspiring...

read more
His Spoken Words

His Spoken Words

His Spoken Words by Richard Ruesch This book includes a complete compilation of the spoken words of our Lord Jesus Christ, which are contained in the verses of the New Testament, chronologically arranged from the time when His parents found Him in the temple, sitting...

read more
La Sainteté de la Féminité par Mary Kloska

La Sainteté de la Féminité par Mary Kloska

Below is a spiritual talk that Mary gave to a group of Polish youth at a retreat center in Babliniec, Poland about the Love that God has for them. It was on September 3, 2005 and is translated by Hania Przybylo. You can listen to this both in my English and Hania's...

read more
Из Тьмы… Мэри  Клоска

Из Тьмы… Мэри Клоска

Out of the Darkness by Mary Kloska Данная работа - собрание сокровищ, с которыми Иисус поделился с сердцем Мэри Клоска. Представляя эту книгу для читателя, Мэри надеется засвидетельствовать о Великой Силе, которая находится в Кресте Иисуса. Её сердце застывает при...

read more
Into the Heart of St. Joseph

Into the Heart of St. Joseph

Into the Heart of Saint Joseph by Jason Schreder Into the Heart of Saint Joseph immerses the reader through prayerful reflection, Scripture, and art, into Saint Joseph's interior life as the Husband of Mary and Zealous Defender of Christ. Saint Joseph is known to be a...

read more
The Eucharistic Revival Project – Missio Dei

The Eucharistic Revival Project – Missio Dei

The Eucharistic Revival Project Edited by Phillip Hadden & Jonathon Fessenden Foreword by Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R. The Eucharist Revival Project is Missio Dei’s response to Pope Francis’ call to rediscover "the real and loving presence of the Lord” in the...

read more
77 Soundbytes of Love

77 Soundbytes of Love

The Interactive Blog is not yet in working order. Please email Ronda directly if you have any thoughts. chervinronda@gmail.com77 Soundbytes of Love: The Philosophical Spirituality of Ronda Chervin By Ronda Chervin This book is an anthology of soundbytes -- 77 to be...

read more
Talkaholics: Fate or Work-in-Process?

Talkaholics: Fate or Work-in-Process?

Talkaholics: Fate or Work-in-Progress By Ronda Chervin Why would I ever think I talk too much? Here are some tiny stories to show you why: “Ronda,” asked my spiritual director, “what would it be like if you joined a table (at the seminary where I was teaching and took...

read more
Purgatory in the Words of Jesus

Purgatory in the Words of Jesus

Purgatory in the Words of Jesus by Roger Skrenes In this book, Roger Skrenes explains how the teaching that only two possible realms exist after death, that of Heaven and Hell, as argued by many non-Catholic Christians, is not correct. Christ actually spoke of a third...

read more
The Sea Lord’s Bookshelf by Vincent Salamoni, M.S.A.

The Sea Lord’s Bookshelf by Vincent Salamoni, M.S.A.

All profits go to the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.) LORD, HAVE MERCY: The big ocean and our little boat.The Sea Lord's Bookshelf by Reverend Vincent A. Salamoni, M.S.A. This book is a catalyst, of a beginning voyage. Here it is a short one, yet a long...

read more
The Book of Love: Brief Meditations

The Book of Love: Brief Meditations

Cover design by Sophia ClementsWhen given the chance to submit cover designs, four out of five of Richard Clements' children submitted drawings. The one selected is from among those four submissions. The other three submissions are featured here above.The Book of...

read more
Devociones Diarias de LIFE Runners

Devociones Diarias de LIFE Runners

Devociones Diarias de LIFE Runners Editado por Dr. Patrick Castle and Bernadette Costello ¡DIOS primero, VIDA siempre, EQUIPO para siempre! Corredores de VIDA es el equipo Pro-Vida más grande del mundo, correr es opcional, se requiere camiseta y se necesita fe. Nos...

read more
Nuggets of Wisdom

Nuggets of Wisdom

Nuggets of Wisdom By Bob Sizemore with Ronda Chervin In this handy volume, Bob Sizemore and Ronda Chervin engage in a dialogue intended to deliver nuggets of life's wisdom, offering both specific and general insights on navigating one's way through this world and into...

read more
No Longer I: Sharing Christ’s Gospel Narrative

No Longer I: Sharing Christ’s Gospel Narrative

No Longer I: Sharing Christ's Gospel Narrative by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. Christ entered our world and gave himself completely to us to the point of dying for us, to become nourishment for us and a source of hope. In this book, Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., demonstrates...

read more
The Blessings of the Beatitudes

The Blessings of the Beatitudes

The Blessings of the Beatitudes by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. This book is about the vision Jesus sets before his hearers of a world ruled by justice and love. The eight beatitudes provide hope to all who listen to and follow the call of the kingdom in their hearts....

read more
Jesus Christ: A Man of Prayer by Fr. Paul Ezinando

Jesus Christ: A Man of Prayer by Fr. Paul Ezinando

Jesus Christ: A Man of Prayer by Fr. Paul Ezinando In this work, Fr. Paul Ezinando demonstrates that though we have knowledge of Jesus Christ from various perspectives, we cannot know Him enough. To help us come to a better knowledge of Jesus Christ, Fr Ezinando...

read more
A Spiritual Plan for Families by Fr. Jacob Dankasa

A Spiritual Plan for Families by Fr. Jacob Dankasa

A Spiritual Plan for Families: Preparing your Home for a Life of Faith following the Examples of Saints who Raised Families by Fr. Jacob Dankasa Considering the challenges that many Christian families face today in building faith-based homes, it’s essential that every...

read more
Dear Mr Putin: An Epistolary Inquiry by Peter Breen

Dear Mr Putin: An Epistolary Inquiry by Peter Breen

Dear Mr Putin: An Epistolary Inquiry | Уважаемый господин Путин! by Peter Breen An epistolary exhortation in monthly installments to Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, that asks: "Are you sure about waging war and brandishing a cross against the woman who...

read more
House of Gold by Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+

House of Gold by Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+

House of Gold by Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+ Our Lady has spent my entire lifetime blessing me with Her friendship –and so I rejoice today to offer Her this little gift of a book, which I hope brings many more souls into Her humble, Motherly embrace. Paperback:...

read more
A La Sombra de Nuestra Señora

A La Sombra de Nuestra Señora

Mary Kloska speaks to a 'Seven Sisters' Group about her book In Our Lady's Shadow (May 21, 2021)A La Sombra de Nuestra Señora: La Espiritualidad de la Oración por los Sacerdotes by Mary Kloska A la Sombra de Nuestra Señora: ‘La Espiritualidad de Rezar por los...

read more
Voices from the Upper Room

Voices from the Upper Room

Voices from the Upper Room by Father Dominic Lenk, O.S.B. Just who were those people gathered together in the Upper Room during those three days between the crucifixion and the resurrection? Imagine with the author all those people gathered in the Upper Room during...

read more
The Holy Heart

The Holy Heart

The Holy Heart by Holly Garman “My Father will love you so deeply that We willcome to you and make you Our dwelling place.”~ Jesus (Jn. 14:32, TPT) The Scriptural truths of The Holy Heart help us to let God become fully at home in us, as we become fully at home in...

read more
Mornings with Mary (A Rosary Prayer Book)

Mornings with Mary (A Rosary Prayer Book)

Mornings with Mary (A Rosary Prayer Book) by Mary Kloska Sometimes gathering as few as a few hundred people, sometimes as many as 100,000 people a day, Mary Kloska has led spiritual warriors each morning on social media in prayer for myriads of intentions. Following...

read more
The Mercy Ocean

The Mercy Ocean

All profits go to the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.)The Mercy Ocean by Reverend Vincent A. Salamoni, M.S.A. Simply described as a collection of information, which perhaps will be USEFUL TO YOU AND/OR OTHERS! Father Vincent’s book of meditative reflections...

read more
Shared Miracle Stories

Shared Miracle Stories

Shared Miracle Stories of the Dominican Community of Mary Mother of Dominic and Friends of Cedaredge Ed. by Mrs. Helen R. Hawkins, OP This is a book that invites us to share our miracles with one another. Why does God use or allow miracles? First, a miracle is an...

read more